Memorial Day, formerly called Decoration Day, originated to commemorate Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. The holiday we celebrate this weekend became a federal day of observance in 1967 honoring men and women who have died serving in the military.
Each Gwinnett city will honor our fallen soldiers this weekend in numerous ways from the display of flags to ceremonies like the one held Saturday in Snellville unveiling a new Veterans Memorial.
As we spend time poolside looking forward to a four-day workweek, let’s not only remember those who gave their lives to protect our freedom, but those in the military who continue to serve our community.
There are many examples, but I want to brag on my father-in-law, retired Air Force Colonel John Fred Huppertz and other former military pilots like himself for their efforts with the organization Mercy Flight Southeast.
Mercy Flight pilots donate their aircraft, fuel and time to provide free transportation to medical facilities for citizens who are financially distressed or otherwise unable to travel on public transportation.
Mercy Flight Southeast also coordinates missions to fly organ transplant candidates, people in clinical trials or those in need of chemotherapy, victims of abuse seeking relocation and for many other humanitarian reasons.
The organization coordinates a group of 650 registered volunteer pilots making an average of 3,000 missions per year across a five state region. Approximately 30 percent of these pilots, perhaps more, have current or former military training. One of their most famous volunteers is former Navy Seal, Howard Wasdin, author of ‘SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Naval SEAL Sniper.’ Some are NASA pilots. More than a few have flown F16s and other high performance planes. Some are also grandparents like my father-in-law.
Mercy Flight Southeast belongs to the Air Charity Network, an association of 501(c)3 aviation organizations, similar to angelflight.com. Air Charity Netowrk’s 7,000 pilots fly more than 22,000 missions for 35,000 passengers nationwide annually.
Think gas prices are astronomical? Try filling the tank with aviation fuel. These pilots quietly and humbly continue to demonstrate dedication to their country and its people by serving neighbors in need. I suspect many of them do so in honor of a friend lost in combat. Each of them finds their efforts immensely rewarding.
To help defer expenses, or if you know someone who could benefit from a Mercy Flight, go to www.mercyflightse.org. Monday I will remember our fallen soldiers. I will also remember the brave military veterans who continue to serve.
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